Delivery and a Second Reunion

Mirtul 1, 1493 DR

We arrived safely back at Frewn's Brews with the delivery in tow where I announced my arrival to Emmek who excitedly received his merchandise. I assisted with unloading it and mostly ignored his grumbling. Afterward we noticed that Volo and a dwarf I assumed to be Fildreck, prior owner of Trollskull Manor, were standing in front of that property.

Lypher was reluctant to invite them for a drink with us a Frewn's Brews but I ignored him and wandered over to ask them. Instead, Volo opted to invite for supper at a different location nearby called A Maiden's Tears. I agreed that once the rest of our party had rejoined us we would meet them there.

I got back to the pub and saw that Lypher had purchased some sort of ale-like substance that smelled rather poor. Elora was gazing around the room at some grumpy people. Emmek was moaning about something boring. After a short while I fell asleep.

Later I awoke to find that Ketalysen and Ránath were there. Emmek came by at that moment to ask if we were going to buy anything although Lypher had clearly ordered alcohol and something that was apparently supposed to be food. It smelled putrid. Ránath and Ketalysen headed out through the back door and I decided to join them. Mingnist arrived just then and we all caught up behind the sorry excuse for a tavern. Well, except for Lypher. He was still forcing down his meal.

Ketalysen noticed a sign above a door nearby depicting a gold dragon curled around a pile of books. She knocked on the door which was answered by somebody who introduced themself as Rishaal. The store was closed but we learned that it was a library and book store called Book Wyrm's Treasure.

With nothing further to be gained here we decided to meet with Volo. We headed down Saerdoun Street to Lion Street where we found A Maiden's Tears and Volo and Fildreck waiting inside. They were seated at a table next to a fire which was glorious. I can see why Volo insisted on coming here instead. We ordered some food and realised that Lypher was not with us but he did arrive before long. He looked rather pale and had developed a cough. I made a note to myself to avoid that sad excuse for a tavern on Trollskull Alley in the future.

The discussion turned to the topic of Trollskull Manor. Fildreck was intrigued by the prospect of our acquisition of the property and asked if we had any questions about the place. Ránath asked about the peculiar painting but Fildreck only said that it was always part of the place. He mentioned that somebody named Ulkoria Stonemarrow might know more about the painting. Apparently she has some sort of interest in the manor.

Ketalysen asked if any particular part of the house was more haunted. Fildreck merely scoffed at the idea. Lypher asked if he'd ever been up in the top floor of the turret but he had not. The discussion then focused on entering the room that night. Ránath was obsessed with the idea and inquired with me if I thought he could scale the exterior. I was a bit dubious.

Volo encouraged us to make the propery transfer immediately. Ránath and I were enthusiastic about the idea but Lypher wanted to see up in that top room before agreeing. After a while it was decided that Ránath would attempt to enter the room that night then we would stay at the manor. We would choose our path forward the next day.

Reunion at the Docks

Mirtul 1, 1493 DR

The Dancing Delight was scheduled to be at the Waterdeep docks that afternoon so I headed there to receive the Vintners Distillers and Brewers Guild's shipment. Following along with me were Elora, Lypher, and Mingnist although the latter would be separating from us at the Metalmasters' Hall. I followed the High Road until the Way of the Dragon which was the most direct route to the harbour master's office.

We were making excellent progress but the others began acting strangely when we were night near The Thirsty Throat. Lypher asked to pause our journey and began looking around for something. They seemed to feel as though somebody may have been following us. I didn't notice anything unusual at all. I thought they were just being paranoid but they began discussing whether a different route would be best. Eventually we decided to cut over to the High Road via Brian's Street.

Before long we arrived at the Metalmasters' Hall and I entered along with Mingnist. Since this was home to The Most Careful Order of Skilled Smiths and Metal Forgers I really wanted to know who I could talk to about having forgeries made. Unfortunately I was met with only confusion upon asking inside. Perhaps that particular service is secretive but it's in their name. I don't really understand. At any rate, Mingnist was presented with a pile of paperwork which seemed intensely boring. Time to leave.

With Mingnist engaged the rest of us continued on to the docks. We followed the Way of the Dragon and then cut south on Hog Street on the way to the harbour master. Lypher spoke up once again to indicate that we were being followed. This time he identified them as either the Black Network or the Xanathar Guild. We decided to prodeed to the harbour master and see if he could offer and assistance.

After arriving safely Elora and I entered to greet Horst, the harbour master. Lypher remained outside as sentry. Horst indicated where the Dancing Delight was and we asked if he might help us with our followers. He said he'd do his best to waylay them if he saw them. That was good enough for me. Back outside Lypher went off to explain our predicament to the city guard as well.

When he returned we headed off for the indicated pier. Along the way Lypher became rather interested in a tavern called The Sleeping Snake for some reason. I was anxious to get to the dock so we continued in short order but were promptly halted by a blockade. It looked like some more gang fighting has just been interrupted by the guard. We took a detour and were accosted by members of the Xanathar Guild. One of them stabbed Elora with a dagger. That was completely uncalled for.

After a brief conversation regarding Xanathar being displeased with our appearance in the sewers two days prior they began trying to usher us into an alley. I was having none of that and managed to attract the attention of the city guard. This was enough to ward off our potential abductors. After a short conversation with the guard we were finally able to arrive at the Dancing Delight.

I called out to Philbert, one of the crew with whom I worked four years ago. He recognised me immediately and greeted me warmly. I introduced Lypher and Elora but let him go about his business. I asked permission to board from Emil, the first mate, after which I led the way to the captains quarters where I smiled broadly as I entered to see the captain, Stands in Tar. It was wonderful to see her again. We caught up a for a moment before I hugged her goodbye and we gathered our merchandise.

I wished I'd the opportunity to reminisce more, but I had a delivery to make.

The Viewing

Mirtul 1, 1493 DR

Before long we all departed to see our potential new real estate in the North Ward of Waterdeep. Along the way we passed a very impressive property that Volo identified as Massalan Villa, owned by the Massalan family. Upon arrival at our destination we cast our eyes upon a large three and a half storey building with a turret and several balconies. It was quite evidently vacant, but impresive nonetheless.

I climbed up to the second floor to have a look but couldn't see much beyond the balcony. I noticed that everybody else was headed inside so I climed down and joined them. Inside I was greeted with an honestly very nice looking tavern arrangement albeit covered with debris and dust. What next caught my attention was the fireplace which was fantastic. It could absolutely house a most cozy fire.

My attention was then drawn to a painting behind the bar. It was a portrait of an individual who looked just like Ránath! That was quite curious so I let him know. He rushed over, shoved me out of the way, and appeared to be extremely confused by what he saw. He stated emphatically that it was not him although the man in the picture was wearing an amulet just like Ránath's. I examined the painting and upon touching it immediately felt a chill breeze wash over me. I started which attracted everybody's attention so I told them what happened. No cause for the experience could be found.

We continued to explore the remainder of the building. Ránath and Mingnist took a quick look in the cellar but found nothing interesting. Upstairs presented numerous rooms with many more fireplaces! The view from the turret was quite nice too. Ránath found a ladder up to the top of the turret but the door at the top was unable to be opened. Several of us attempted to open it but were inexplicably thrown back from it. I ran outside and climbed to the top window of the turret to look inside, but all was empty.

Ránath asked Volo from whom the property was purchased. He stated that he bought the building from a dwarf named Fildreck Bottledrew. Apprently Fildreck instructed Volo to never move the picture from the first floor. That seemed particularly odd. Ránath wanted to meet the former owner presumably to ask about the picture. It was decided that we would spend the night at Trollskull Manor and meet with Volo the next day along with Fildreck.

The remainder of the day would find us splitting up into groups with various tasks to perform. Ránath and Ketalysen would be heading to the library at The Shrines of Nature. The rest of us would be heading to the docks to meet up with the Dancing Delight although Mingnist would be leaving us to visit the Metalmasters' Hall. It was then decided we would all meet up at Frewn's Brews later on in the evening. The place was a bit run down but it was certainly convenient.

At that we parted ways.

Obligations Before Breakfast

Mirtul 1, 1493 DR

It was a lengthy night of food and drink with Volo, Floon, and Renaer at The Yawning Portal. I may have dozed by the fire for a time before everybody wandered off for sleep. I did, however, awake before everybody else. Well, I thought it was everybody but I did encounter Lypher taking part in some sort of ritual or something outside. He inquired what I was up to so I let him know that I was checking in on my job at the Vintners Distillers and Brewers Guild. He seemed concerned that I wouldn't be back to view Trollskull Manor. I assured him that I'd be back in time.

At the guild I was given the task of delivering some alcohol from a ship at the docks to a place named Frewn's Brews. As it turned out, the ship bringing in the merchandise was the The Dancing Delight! Excellent! I was excited at the prospect of seeing Stands in Tar again. It had been far too long. Additionally, the recipient of the delivery was located on Trollskull Alley. How utterly coincidental and convenient.

I returned to The Yawning Portal to find everybody down in the tavern for breakfast, Volo, Floon and Renaer included. It seemed that the private room was becoming our regular spot so I began to write a sign indicating as such, but realised I didn't know what to write on it. Volo suggested Volo's Vanguard. Ketalysen voiced her disapproval so I scratched that out. Lypher suggested The Trollskull Gang so I wrote that on the paper and pinned it to the curtain. Ránath seemed confused at the name so I translated it into Elvish for him and wrote the name in Elvish on the paper as well.

All the talk of troll skulls raised the attention of Bonnie who suggested that Durnan still had the skull from the battle two days earlier. Lypher was quite excited (a little too excited I thought) at the prospect so Bonnie said she'd let Durnan know. In the mean time we ordered some food and the topic of tea came up. Lypher was really focused on this and the ability to locate something called chai tea to the point of suggesting a return to some location or another down in the sewers. I wasn't really following along.

With breakfast concluded it was time to view our potential real estate acquisition.

Volo's Bargain

Greengrass 1493 DR

When Ránath and I arrived back at The Yawning Portal I immediately spotted Threestrings getting ready to play so I went to talk with him. Ránath sat in front of the fire and I could see Mingnist, Lypher, Elora, and Ketalysen at a table across the room with Floon and Renaer. Things looked to be under control which is certainly a change for the tavern as of late.

Ketalysen began rounding us all up for supper. I could see Ránath and Mingnist standing at the door to the private room staring awkwardly at the patrons inside who finished up in short order and left a bit nervously. Our group all filed in for supper and during that time I asked Threestrings if we could play a song together. We kicked off the evening with a rendition of Smoke Over Waterdeep which got everybody clapping along. Soon into the song I spotted Danica nearby and waved her over to join us with her singing. It was loads of fun.

After the song I introduced her to Threestrings and they began having a rather awkward conversation. I tried to smooth things over as best I could and suggested they should find something to play together. That got them talking about a common topic and I excused myself to join the others for supper.

As luck would have it the stew for the evening was fish! We all got drinks (milk for me) and waited for the food to arrive before which Volo joined our table. He thanked us enthusiastically for rescuing Floon and gave him and Renaer big hugs. Ketalysen invited Volo to join us for supper.

We gave Volo a quick summary of our adventure locating Floon, and Renaer summarised the reason for their capture by the Black Network, that is that they are looking for information about the whereabouts of the money that his father, Lord Neverember, embezzled from Waterdeep. At this point Lypher began looking expectantly at Volo who sheepishly admitted that he was short of the monetary reward he promised. Not only that, but he did not have a copy of is book for me that he also promised. Instead he offered to transfer the ownership of a property in Waterdeep called Trollskull Manor.

There was definite reluctance from everybody else about owning property in Waterdeep. I, however, was quite interested in potential habitation within the city. This building was located in the North Ward which was a rather nice part of town. I admitted that I was soon to be in need of a place to stay, so this was a very attractive proposition for me. Renaer told us that he was the current owner of the property and would transfer it to our group as recompence for their rescue. Many questions were asked about the property and it was decided that we would all gather mid-morning the next day to view the structure to make a more informed decision on our plans to proceed.

Lypher in particular was quite distrustful of our employer and seemed unwilling to let him and his compatriots leave his sight to which Volo suggested drinking through the night with us. Out of nowhere Ketalysen asked about the location of Ardeep Forest. At any rate, it appeared we were going to be staying at The Yawning Portal for the night.

Ránath Returns

Greengrass 1493 DR

We headed to the Shrines of Nature in the north of Waterdeep where the Greengrass Festival was held. We sort of hauled Ránath along with us in the hope that he might receive assistance whilst we were there. Inside we could hear music and laughter and as we entered we were all presented with floral wreaths to wear around our necks. Inside people were singing and dancing and eating amongst the trees. It was really quite fantastic.

No sooner had we entered when a young woman greeted Elora enthusiastically. She introduced herself as Danica and asked Elora if she had spoken to somebody named Mattrim. I asked who this person was and Danica responded with a name I knew: Threestrings. I told her that I knew Threestrings and that I played music with him. It turns out that she really wanted to meet him and to sing with him so I invited her back to The Yawning Portal that evening to play with us. She seemed very receptive to the idea.

After that I wandered off to take in the spectacle. I found many musicians to listen to and dancers to admire. I spent some time wandering around and enjoying the festival. It really was quite the marvel.

After a while I heard my name and saw Lypher approach with fish! That was a most welcome surprise. I followed along back to the rest of the group whilst eating delicious fish. During the walk Lypher asked me some odd questions about my clothes and group affiliations. I wasn't really following along at first until he mentioned the Xanathar Guild. I informed him that I was not part of either the Xanathar Guild or the Black Network. He seemed to be pretty happy with that response. At that point we rejoined the others of our party who were talking with some people I didn't know.

Elora and Mingnist were waiting with Ránath to speak with Lady Gwenall who was already engaged in conversation with somebody named Sir Ambrose. After a short while he wandered off and Elora asked Lady Gwenall if she could assist with Ránath's recovery. We gave her a brief description of what had occurred. I was distracted and headed off for something to eat. Moments later Lypher joined me.

I was enjoying some excellent fish but noticed that a dwarven woman was attending to Ránath. I was intrigued by this new person and wandered back to the others. Some time later I noticed that Lypher did not follow along. The dwarf was identified to me as Kilgena and had indicated that she would be able to help return Ránath to his normal self. This was excellent news! But there was a price to be paid. There's always a price.

Lady Gwenall looked to Ketalysen and requested that she assist in the recovery of a family heirloom, the Amulet of Siveril, that had been lost in the Ardeep Forest. For this she was to research Lady Gwenall's family history for information on its whereabouts and, ideally, to retrieve it. The deadline was the 20th of Mirtul when Lady Gwenall was leaving Waterdeep. Ketalysen gladly accepted to help Ránath. Once agreement had been reached Kilgena sprinkled some sort of dust over Ránath, touched his forehead, and he became once again aware.

Kilgena requested a favour from Ránath for her assistance. (Yet another price to be paid.) She asked that he pledged to fight orcs in any future outpouring accross her land. Ránath agreed enthusiastically to my astonishment. There was some grumbling from everybody about the many costs associated with the recovery of Floon and Renaer.

Everybody was letting Ránath know what happened whilst he was out of it when a human suddenly appeared and inquired about Bonnie. He introduced himself as Marwood and knew Ránath. Marwood went on at length about Bonnie and stepped away as suddenly as he had arrived. Very odd fellow.

Now that Ránath was back to his self Ketalysen asked him if he was hungry and I excitedly led him around and introduced him to the various food stalls and entertainment that I'd discovered throughout the day. Eventually most everybody returned to The Yawning Portal but Ránath and I continued exploring the festival. Ránath seemed somewhat distracted but I didn't let that concern me. Near suppertime we met up with Eilsys and Marwood with whom we returned to The Yawning Portal.

Missing Memories

Greengrass 1493 DR

I awoke feeling rather refreshed albeit quite confused. I was in a strange room and Mingnist was there. I had some particularly jumbled memories of a woman talking to me and something about a favour owed. All I knew was that I was cold in this unfamiliar room.

I was ravenously hungry and Mingnist led us out of what turned out to be a room at The Yawning Portal. The others were staying there too and we all headed down for breakfast. Ránath came along as well, but he was not really cognizant of his environment. I didn't really know what was wrong with him. Floon and Renaer met us in the tavern.

It was at that point that I realised how malodorous my fur was. That was unacceptable so I immediately bolted upstairs to the baths as directed by Bonnie. Ketalysen graciously offered a portion of her precious lavender soap which I gratefully accepted. Several others headed to the baths as well and I returned to breakfast waiting at the table and ate enthusiastically although it wasn't fish. The others were talking about some matters but I was unable to focus on their conversation.

Just as I finished somebody named Eilsys approached our table. Ketalysen and Elora knew him from their journey to Waterdeep and he was here to remind them of the Greengrass Festival today and invited the rest of us as well. Elora inquired if he might know somebody who would be able to help Ránath. He suggested somebody named Lady Gwenall.

I took that moment to make my offering to Nula. I was a day late as I would normally perform the rite on the tenth day.

I was also able to gather some of what happened during my loss of memory. Lypher managed to defeat the quadrupedal brain but the party was left with the problem of how to escape the sewers with three incapacitated people. Fortune was with Elora though because she discovered a hidden passage that led to the basement of a halfling couple, Agnes and Angus, who allowed us through their home and back to the streets of Waterdeep. A cart was flagged which brought us all back to The Yawning Portal.

It was here that the woman I remember, Obaya Uday, came to the room in which Mingnist and I were staying and treated my condition. She did ask that I assist her with the retrieval of some sort of magical item from the Undermountain in the future as payment. I remembered very little of any of that. One thing I did recall was that Obaya mentioned another Tabaxi in Waterdeep. Interesting.

For a variety of reasons it was decided that we would all visit the Greengrass Festival. I'd not been to that event in Waterdeep before.

Nice Help Lady Me

?????, 1493 DR?

So warm. She says nice thing but I think she says nice thing but I things to me. I things to me says nice thing but I don't really understand. There. So warm. She asked me. I thing but I don't really unds good. There. She asked me sounds good. There's a woman here. So warm. I don't really understand. There. I things to me sounds good. Sleep. She asked me. So warm. Sleep sounderstand. So warm. I must sleep sounderstand. There's a woman here's a woman here. Sleep somethink she says nic...

Quarry Found

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

In short order we encountered a room. The first thing I noticed was a half-orc with its foot placed on a man I surmised to be Floon. He was crying out in pain at his treatment. To his right was another of those ugly floating creatures with the eye stalks and behind them all was something I did not want to see: a mind flayer holding what appeared to be a brain with four legs.

The mind flayer looked to the half-orc and said, “Grum'shar, take care of this rabble,” and then walked to a door and exited the room. At that point the battle began.

I managed to get a shot from my bow off straight away at Grum'shar and killed him with one arrow. Unfortunately he crumpled directly onto Floon. Sorry, Floon.

Shortly after that the quadrupedal brain charged at me and hit me with some very sharp claws. That did not feel good. Then it did something to Ránath after he missed it with his Yklwa. Ránath's eyes glazed over and he just stood there motionless. That's not good either.

Mingnist arrived next to me and made two dagger attacks at the floating thing and killed it with expert strikes. Then I managed to get a solid hit on the brain thing after which Elora hit it with a spray of poison. Revenge felt good.

Whatever it did to Ránath the brain thing also did to Renaer. He suddenly went limp and glassy-eyed and sort of checked out. Then it hit Mingnist hard with its claws. Mingnist wasn't looking too well. That was the last thing I remembered.

Negotiations Gone Bad

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

I proceeded on ahead through what appeared to be living quarters of some sort. I entered a room with six crude beds but was otherwise empty. I listened at the door on the opposite side of the room and could hear a pair of worried sounding voices. One sounded like Krentz. I informed the others and let them know that I was going to proceed into the room to attempt to make a deal.

I opened the door upon another living space to see Krentz and a Duergar frantically stuffing blankets under a door on the other side of the room. I spoke up and said, “Hey, Krentz. What seems to be the problem?” He was rather shocked to see me and asked me to pass some blankets to him. I did but the Duergar did not trust my presence at all.

I once again asked what they were doing and Krentz said there was something in the room behind the door that was apparently disolving some goblins. I had no idea what that was about, but we were here to get Floon so I asked if he was here and that I wanted to make a deal for him. Krentz said that Nihiloor would not make a deal for cash. It sounded like they were looking for information so I offered that I may have another way to get that information.

The Duergar, who turned out to be named Zemk, just wasn't buying what I was selling. The two were whispering to each other trying to decide if they could trust me. Zemk wanted to take me to Grum'shar and led me to another door. I followed along.

Just after passing through the door he asked me how long I'd known Krentz and then just attacked me. What a jerk!

Zemk took a swing at me with a war pick but didn't even come close. I returned with a thrust from my rapier and made a rather solid contact at which point the rest of the party entered the room. Now the fracas was in full swing. In mere moments Zemk was defeated by Renaer and Krentz surrendered to our overwhelming force.

It was conversation time so I invited Renaer over to question Krentz. Renaer asked where Floon was and Krentz said he was with Grum'shar and pointed to the door that I was being led through earlier. Lypher, however, was specifically focused on the door that they were attempting to seal with blankets. Renaer and I insisted that we get Floon.

It was quite tense for a moment but we eventually convinced Lypher that Floon was the important task. Lypher knocked out Krentz with his quarterstaff so we bound him and proceeded toward our quarry.

Trust Issues

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

Elora and Lypher were chosen to sneak up on the two napping goblins in an attempt to subdue them for questioning. However, their sneaking abilities were not stellar. The two goblins woke as they were approached but were rapidly restrained. Ketalysen, Ránath, and Mingnist then rushed in to bind them for questioning.

I did notice that Lypher was inspecting their arrows for some reason. I have no idea why that may have been. He then began speaking to the goblins in a language I'd never heard before and offered a letter to one of them. That was quite curious. The conversation continued for a bit and I noticed Lypher getting a bit more aggressive toward the goblin when I heard it say the name Krentz. I asked about that and was informed that he was a guard up ahead of us.

Soon Lypher gathered us for an update in the adjacent room. He let us know that Floon was here in the custody of somebody named Grum'shar who Elora suggested was a half-orc. There were also two guards in a room ahead, one of which was Krentz. That seemed to be the totality of information we would be able to get from the goblins. It was decided that we would leave them bound here and proceed ahead.

I suggested attempting to make a deal with Krentz for the custody of Floon. Ketalysen asked if I knew Krentz personally but that was a tough question to answer. My response was merely that I had done some errands for him. Lypher asked if I was aware of Floon's kidnapping plan ahead of time. I was sensing a great level of distrust in the room.

Ketalysen then said to Ránath and Elora in Elvish, “Do you think that Lock led us over here so that they could rob us?”

I responded in Elvish, “No, I did not lead you here.”

I assured them that I would attempt to broker a deal with Krentz. At that, we proceeded onward and I could feel an icy cold at my back.

Follow the Yellow Chalk Road

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

I snuck up behind the nearest creature and struck with my rapier which burst it like a bubble. One down, one to go. Moments later a fire bolt whooshed by and struck the other and also popped it. I looked back to see Mingnist with his hands raised in the direction of the fallen creature. That was the fastest combat I've ever been part of.

Ránath climbed a ladder located at the site of our unbalanced battle. He opened the cover at the top and reported that he discovered a storeroom full of food and drink. Lypher followed up to inspect as well. Ránath indicated that it seemed to be associated with a tavern of some sort. After a few moments the pair returned to the stench of the sewer.

We easily located the next symbol and continued our trek to locate Floon and followed them for approximately twenty more minutes. We found ourselves at a much narrower tunnel that was just as putrid as before. We stealthily progressed forward. Well, we tried. I heard far more noise from behind than I would have preferred. At any rate, we seemed to be in an older section of Waterdeep's sewer system where a room with arrow slits was discovered. I gave a quick search for traps but found nothing at all. Next I cautiously entered the room and peered through one of the slits. I could see the feet of a small sleeping individual.

At that moment Ránath sprinted off down a tunnel to the south. I had no idea where he was going but I looked through the second arrow slit on the opposite side of the room. Inside I noticed two sleeping goblins on the floor. I don't think these guys were fulfilling their duties. At that moment Lypher noticed the next yellow symbol for us to follow.

I listened at the door indicated by the symbol as Elora and Lypher headed off to fetch Ránath from whatever he was getting up to. There were no sounds beyond. Just as I was pondering opening it the three missing party members returned from their mini excursion. Ránath was talking about some rat or something down there. I lost interest before he started to be honest.

I proceeded through the door and into a bendy passage that was also equipped with an arrow slit beyond which I could hear the sleeping goblins once again. The next door opened upon a room full of detritus to my left and the room of the goblins to the right. I suggested that we sneak up on them, restrain them, and question them.

Odiferous Depths

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

Renaer was quite anxious to find Floon but our party was a little on the beat up side. We decided that it would be best to return to The Yawning Portal in hopes of locating some healing help. First though we asked some passersby around the warehouse if they had seen anybody resembling Floon recently. Sure enough, several people did witness an individual matching his description being dragged away an hour earlier.

We followed their directions and inquired with some others who were able to guide us further. We were able to locate an entrance to the sewer with a discrete circle written on it in yellow chalk. I indicated that Renaer should proceed into the sewers to search for Floon whilst the rest of us head back to The Yawning Portal. Nobody else seemed to like the idea so we all (inclusive of Renaer) headed back to the inn.

Once back we asked Durnan if Evaline was still there but unfortunately the answer was negative. Aparently she had returned to the Spires of the Morning. I was feeling fine so I went over to Threestrings straight away. We played a quick song from an island in my homeland in Maztica called Slowly.

Just as we finished the song I heard Lypher call out that he had located Evaline. She hadn't left the inn after all. After she had secured some generous donations to her temple and a great deal of confusion surrounding spiders from Lypher she healed all our injured. Renaer looked quite perplexed at the whole exchange.

Once again Renaer urged us to find Floon but some of the others insisted on a quick drink first. Lypher purchased a bottle of something and passed it around. As we departed Ketalysen and Elora were arm-in-arm singing, “Yo ho ho, down the sewers we go!” What was in that bottle?

Part way there Ketalysen asked me why I was hiding from the guard. Hmm... Awkward question for me. I was a little vague in my reply and said they weren't fans of mine. She also asked me my opinion of Renaer. I said he was too wealthy for my preference, but otherwise I had no real opinion of him.

When we arrived at the sewer entrance I immediatly signalled to Renaer and said, “After you.” He acquiesced surprisingly and we all followed behind him. I was immediately hit with the malodorous air of the sewer. Inside was a stream of putrid water and we quickly located the next yellow symbol.

Renaer immediately indicated that he was unable to see in this dark environment. Ugh... humans with their weak eyesight. Ketalysen proferred a torch and I then attempted to disarm Renaer as a test of his skill with his rapier. He ably defended my manoeuvre so I bowed to him and replied, “Well played, sir.” He bowed back and we were on our way.

I stealthily led our group through the sewers, following the signs. After an hour or so we happened upon a pair of small floating heads with eye stalks blocking our way. Uh oh. Certain measures were required.

Revelation

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

Renaer told us that he had been captured along with Floon and that they were both brought to the warehouse and tied. Floon was questioned and then taken away but Renaer was left here where he eventually slipped his bindings and hid in the closet under the stairs. Whilst there he heard the loud commotion of a fight and then all went quiet. It was then that we discovered him. Lypher seemed to distrust Renaer.

Renaer identified several dead Black Network individuals along the wall as his abductors and surmised that he was the intended target instead of Floon. His father, Lord Neverember, was thought to have embezzled from the Black Network and that he, Renaer, could lead them to the Stone of Golorr. He thought that the Xanathar Guild had the stone but it may have been stolen and that it was believed the stone could lead to the stolen gold.

As we were assessing our next steps a large contingent of the city guard stormed into the building. I immediately took cover at the back behind some of the crates. The others explained our current situation to the guards whilst attempting to deflect any blame from us. Renaer soon stepped in to explain that we had, indeed, rescued him from the turf battle between the Xanathar Guild and the Black Network. He seemed to know one of the guards named Hyustus. Lypher asked them if they knew anything about the Kenku but their reply was merely to say that the Kenku have been seen and are known to associate with on of the criminal factions or another.

Hyustus thanked us for assisting with taking care of the Kenku but asked everybody to disperse. The surviving two Kenku were escorted from the premises and several guards were searching the upstairs. Unfortunately I had been spotted by the guard. I had nowhere to go. I could hear some fumbling of words regarding how many people were in the group and I was starting to fear that I was going to be abandoned to the guard until Renaer spoke up to say that he was there with six others, which included me. I bolted from the building as fast as I could.

Interrogation

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

The first thing Ránath did was pluck three feathers from one of the dead Kenku. For a trophy I suppose? We searched the Kenku but didn't find much of interest.

Elora examined the dead people lined up along the walls of the first storey. She discovered some of them had a winged snake tattoo, so they were Black Network folks and matched the description Xoblob gave us for the people who abducted Floon. The others were adorned with the tattoo of the Xanathar Guild. There appeared to have been some sort of turf battle prior to our arrival. I summarised the two groups to Elora.

At this time the two sleeping Kenku began stirring. Elora continued examining the area whilst Ketalysen distributed some of her goodberries and others looked around but still nothing notable was discovered until the crates were opened. Some contained decomposing goods but a few were loaded with various weapons and black garb. Some weapons were were acquired for future use and the black clothing was kept for a possible disguise. I declined both since I already wore black and preferred my own weapons.

I was near one of the Kenku and could hear it speak, “No time to loot,” in an accent none of us recognised. He continued with, “Xanathar sends his regards. Get him to the boss.”

I answerd him with, “Who do you mean?” in thieves' cant which seemed to catch his attention.

In a new voice the Kenku answered, “Tie up the pretty boy in the back room.” He seemed to be indicating a room located under the stairs and said, “Follow the yellow signs in the sewers.”

Lypher, Ránath and Mingnist approached the door to the room under the stairs to search inside. Lypher kicked the door and splintered it off its hinges. A strong odour of pickled herring diffused into the room. A person was also hidden within and I could hear Ránath say, “We're not here to hurt you. Come out.”

Mingnist responded, “We're not?” which led to some bickering between the pair.

The man emerged and introduced himself as Renaer.

Confrontation

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

The warning from the hidden Kenku triggered an attack from the individual before me. I first yelled at it, “What the hell are you doing here?”

Its only answer was, “Kill! Kill!”

With that response I had little option but to attack. Sadly my first attempt went wild and merely destroyed a nearby crate. A full scale battle erupted when a further four kenku emerged from the shadows of the first storey.

Both sides took a bit of a beating early on but we managed to defeat two of our enemies. Lypher then turned the tide to our favour when he said something that made two of our opponents fall asleep. The remaining two made a dash for the exit but a team effort between Mingnist, Ránath and I prevented them from escaping to raise an alarm.

With that, we bound the two slumbering Kenku and combat was ended.

Infiltration

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

We left The Skewered Dragon in search of Candle Lane and ultimately the warehouse. Along The Way of the Dragon we discovered a sign for The Thirsty Throat. Just beyond this pathetic excuse for a building we discovered Candle Lane and a door with a winged snake. This was apparently our destination.

What we discovered was a two storey warehouse with a steep peaked roof and a fenced front area. We concluded that it was a good idea to case the joint before proceeding. The alley was quite dark, even considering the afternoon time of day. Perfect for being sneaky. Lypher, Ránath, Ketalysen and I moved around the back of the building. The street sloped upward to be ground level for the second floor of the building. Looking through the windows revealed an office-like interior full of dust and cobwebs. The only movement seemed to be vermin.

The only door at the back proved to be locked and I could hear nothing from beyond it. Before I attempted to pick the lock, Lypher retrieved Mingnist and Elora from the front of the building. Whilst I was picking the lock I noticed that Lypher was intently staring at my hands once again. Strange guy. Regretably I was unable to pick this lock but as a last ditch effort I tried to unlock the door with the keys I had on my key ring. Amazingly it worked! The third key I tried fit the lock. The door opened with no issue and as it did I heard Lypher say, “Where'd he go?”

This room appeared more or less identical to the ones we peered through the window at. To my right I heard Ránath call to me from inside the building. I had no idea how he managed that, but he warned me that there appeared to be bells above the doors. After some examination it seemed that the doors did not activate the bells, rather they were rung remotely. The rest of us then entered the building to have a look around.

We searched the four immediate rooms and primarily found vast quantities of dust and evidence of rodents. Lypher did find a box with paper inside which he determined to be special in an arcane way. They were something called paper birds. I guess they could be used to send messages to people.

I cracked open the final door and peeked through into a large room. I snuck into the room and could see several bodies lined up along an opposite wall of the first storey which could be seen through a large opening from the second level. They appeared to be members of the Black Network. I also noticed a Kenku on my level that was searching through some boxes.

We all schemed for a bit and came up with a cunning plan. I would make a surprise entrance by sprinting over to the Kenku and demand to know why he was here, implying that I belonged here. The others would remain back, hidden out of sight, as backup.

We sprang the plan into action. As I charged through the room and ran up next to the Kenku I heard a call of warning from the south end of the building. Another Kenku scout was hidden out of sight!

Information

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

Before Lypher returned from his conversation with Eldred the rest of us overheard three dock workers at a nearby table muttering about Floon and Renaer. The patrons were certainly not fond of the two and were complaining about the nobles of Waterdeep. I fairly audibly said to the others at our table, “Elites right? Just a pain in my ass. I'm stuck on all this delivery crap all the time. You know, you can't get anywhere in this damn town.”

We continued along this line for a bit until one of the men raised their glass to us and said, “Hear, hear! Totally agree!”

Ránath proceeded to invite them to our table at which they brought their table over to ours. One of them actually recognised me from the time I worked on the corsair Dancing Delight four years ago. We sailed into Waterdeep regularly back then.

We chatted with the three for some time. They complained that the navy used to be staffed by mercenaries but were recently all replaced by citizenry. I learned that Renaer was the son of Lord Neverember. The three had also witnessed some shady people follow the two well dressed men from The Skewered Dragon and directed us to the warehouse on Candle Lane and to look for the serpent with wings on the door.

Shortly after the trio departed Lypher returned to our table and we compared information. I did notice that he seemed to be inspecting me for some reason. I felt a bit awkward. Mingnist seemed to be exceptionally focused on the anchor protruding through the ceiling and began yelling at it. I think we need to cut him off earlier in the future.

Anchors Aweigh... Up in the Ceiling

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

Lypher asked Xoblob if he could direct us to The Skewered Dragon. He informed us that it was more or less across the street. With that information we were able to find it quickly. My first impression of the establishment was poor. The front windows were broken and, oddly, an anchor was lodged in the roof but this was evidently our destination. There were a few patrons inside having a drink. They appeared to be primarily dock workers.

As we entered several individuals looked up but didn't pay us much attention. We found ourselves a table and the bartender came by shortly for our drink order. I noticed that two fingers on his left hand are missing. Everybody ordered something. I did not.

Ketalysen asked the bartender if he had seen anybody resembling Floon. He replied that he had not. Lypher asked about Muldoon. The bartender did not recognise the name but Lypher excused himself to chat with another patron at a nearby table. I still don't know who this Muldoon person is.

I overheard a portion of Lypher's conversation. The person, later identified as Eldred, mentioned that some Zhents had come into The Skewered Dragon asking about Muldoon. He described them as dressed in black with a winged snake tattoo.

When Lypher mentioned Floon in conversation I noticed that two men playing cards at another table perked up at the name. I wandered over and asked to join their game. They introduced themselves as Gwain and Piton and we played a few rounds. During conversation we talked about Floon. Gwain recollected that they had played cards at The Skewered Dragon with Floon and Volo a couple days prior.

The two weren't forthcoming with many details so I upped the ante. This managed to pry forth some additional information. They added that Renaer was also present after Volo had left. Floon and Renaer were drinking and were followed out of the place by two ominous looking individuals identified as Black Network. They instructed me to check out a warehouse over on Candle Lane. We played one more round and I admit that I wound up taking their money again.

After the game I returned to the group and related my discoveries. I informed everybody about what I knew of both the Black Network and the Xanathar Guild.

The next clue had been discovered.

Amidst the Purple Haze

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

As we departed The Yawning Portal for the Dock Ward I spotted the city guard to the east. I intentionally guided the party away from them west along Lackpurse Lane. We cut over to Belnimbra's Street but our progress was halted by a situation. The guard had cordonned off Belnimbra and there appeared to be six corpses which they were investigating. They all appeared to be battered. Three blonde haired humans were being questioned by the guard. I was prepared to find another path immediately but Lypher wanted to investigate the scene.

After Lypher was satisfied I detoured the party around the disturbance and we noticed that this area of Waterdeep was more dilapidated. Once we were more or less central to the Dock Ward we inquired with a passerby where we might find The Skewered Dragon. We were able to quickly ascertain its location so we thanked the individual and followed their directions.

We began searching along Fillet Street but stopped at a building with a stuffed beholder in the front window. The sign on the building read “Old Xoblob Shop.” An overpowering odour of lavender pervaded the area around the building and a purple cloud of smoke emanated from within. Looking through the window revealed a shop filled with purple items. Lypher insisted on looking inside due to the beholder having some sort of significance to him. Everybody decided to enter. I followed but remained at the door and held it open.

A bald gnome adorned in plum clothing and smoking a pipe greeted everybody calling himself Xoblob. The entire store was purple. Walls, shelves, items, everything. Everybody perused the goods with particular attention to a set of bone pipes. We attempted to play them with mixed success. Lypher was specifically focused on Xoblob's face painting to the point of convincing him to apply similar artwork to his wrist. Ketalysen acquired a bar of lavender soap for one dragon. Hopefully it isn't as potent as the shop itself. Ránath picked out a pristine looking brass ring.

I was drawn to a cloth doll with pins in it. Something seemed familiar about it so I inquired about it. Xoblob had little information for me but I decided to purchase it for four dragons. I call it Benny.

Ketalysen asked Xoblob if he'd seen anybody fitting the description of Floon the night he went missing. Xoblob confirmed that he did in fact witness two unsavoury individuals jump Floon in front of his shop. One had a tattoo on their neck of a winged snake which Xoblob confirmed to be the sign of the Black Network.

Time was moving on and we still needed to find The Skewered Dragon before evening so we resumed our search.

Volo's Plea

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

With meals served we began to celebrate our victory over the troll and stirges. I was able to meet the stranger who assisted us in the encounter. His name was Lypher. The woman who was helping the victims also visited our table and introduced herself as Evaline. She graciously offered to heal our wounded and mended Ránath's torn clothing. She declined the offer to join our revelry because she had others who required attention.

Moments later a mustachioed man in a floppy hat arrived at our table. I'd seen him in The Yawning Portal before. He introduced himself at Volothamp Geddarm and he was requesting assistance locating his missing friend, Floon Blagmaar. Evidently they were having a night of drinks along with a man named Renaer at The Skewered Dragon after which Floon went missing. Volo surmised that he may have been kidnapped.

Volo also mentioned that he was working on a book about the spirits of Waterdeep. I was very interested in his books and inquired about how I may be able to acquire a copy. He indicated that he would give me an autographed edition.

Lypher asked Volo about somebody named Muldoon but I had no idea what he was talking about.

As we were preparing to leave for the Dock Ward a member of the city guard arrived at our room. I discretely moved into the shadows at the back. It seems that the guards had arrived to inquire about the earlier fight between Krentz and the half-orc. After a few questions he went about his business and we departed the tavern.

Trolling the Room

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

What emerged from the portal was a troll along with several stirges. That day was non-stop chaos. The five of us at the table along with Durnan and another person all leapt into action attempting to defend the tavern. Durnan immediately charged at the troll whilst everybody else attacked the stirges. Unfortunately a few of the stirges attacked innocent patrons and a few collapsed from the attackers' bloodlust.

I decided to take some shortbow shots at the troll since all the stirges were being attended to. Whilst dashing around behind the bar for cover I heard an angry comment from a patron whose meal I had interrupted. Way to prioritise, dude. I managed to get a few good shots on the troll as Durnan attacked with a great sword.

Part way through the battle a woman entered into the fray by healing some of the patrons who had been attacked by the stirges. At about the same time Durnan yelled out that somebody should douse the troll in oil. Fortunately I had two flasks of lamp oil in my possession and proceeded to pour one onto the troll before yelling out, “Light the sucker on fire!”

Durnan knocked the troll down with his great sword just as one of the stirges latched onto Mingnist and rendered him unconscious. The troll quickly revived itself before I ran to a nearby fireplace to grab a burning log with which to light it. It took a swing at me but was too slow and missed. I lobbed the burning log at the troll which went up in flames with a woosh. Ránath hopped onto the bar and fired an arrow at the troll which proved to be the blow that finished it off. Durnan and I destroyed the remaining stirges to bring peace back to The Yawning Portal.

Durnan provided us with complimentary drinks and meals for our assistance. What a stand-up guy. Bonnie brought the food to a private booth for us as we celebrated the victory.

Rumble at the Portal

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

The fight between Krentz and the half-orc had begun in earnest. There also seemed to be some sort of animated conversation between Mingnist and an elf I'd never seen before. I darted over to Mingnist but everything there seemed to be fine. A half-elf approached me and said she enjoyed my song with Threestrings which was nice of her.

There was no way I was going to get involved in something like this fight so I instead joined the half-elf at a nearby table where we ordered food from Bonnie. I learned that her name was Ketalysen and that this was her first day in Waterdeep. It wasn't exactly the warmest of welcomes here in The Yawning Portal.

Before long Durnan broke up the fight and somehow a small fire was started at a table near the fracas. It looked like the half-orc was a pretty clear victor since Krentz and his buddies staggered out of the inn. Two other people came over to our table who were evidently friends with Ketalysen. The elf I'd seen before introduced himself as Ránath and another half-elf called herself Elora. They both were also new to Waterdeep today. They had arrived with a caravan destined for tomorrow's Greengrass Festival.

Our lovely conversation was rudely interrupted by the corpse of a halfling landing on our table.

The Portal Yawns Deep

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

Mingnist and I travelled to The Yawning Portal in short order. I took my usual back alley route although I think it may have unsettled Mingnist.

Once there Mingnist found himself a table with some dwarves whilst I delivered the brandy to Durnan and the bottle to Krentz. I received a water and five copper pieces for my deliveries. One of the coins had some odd markings on it. Everybody seemed grateful for their items. During this time I noticed that a group of halflings were preparing to descend into the portal.

With the work obligations taken care of I wandered over to Threestrings who was just preparing to play his lute. I asked to join in for a song and we played that song about the Young Maztican Citizen's Association. People seemed to enjoy that.

Just after our song a disturbance started on the opposite side of the room. Krentz and a few others were antagonising a half-orc.

Return to Waterdeep

Tarsakh 30, 1493 DR

It was mid-morning and the north gate of Waterdeep was once again before me. Mingnist's eyes were darting about taking in the scale and splendor of the large city before him. I suppose I did the same that day five years ago when our ship sailed into the harbour here. I just smiled and led him through the gate.

The guards directed Mingnist to the sign at the gate summarising the laws of the city and I encouraged him to pay it mind. He accompanied me whilst I delivered the mushroom wine to The House of Good Spirits which is most of the way through Waterdeep. Along the way he mentioned that he is destined for The Most Careful Order of Skilled Smiths and Metal Forgers. Surprisingly I knew where that was and was able to help him find it. Good fortune was with him, I suppose.

The guild was pleased to see me with the mushroom wine. I think it's fair to say they were mostly pleased to see the wine. At any rate, I was immediately tasked with taking some brandy over to The Yawning Portal. Any chance to hear Threestrings is fine with me. Mingnist continued to accompany me on his whirlwind tour of Waterdeep.

As we were departing I encountered an “old friend” with a delivery of a bottle to a man named Krentz at The Yawning Portal. I was heading there anyway, so why not?

Off to The Yawning Portal!

A New Caravan

Tarsakh 22, 1493 DR

Mingnist, Poppy and I arrived at the High Road with no difficulty. Soon after turning south we espied a small caravan stopped at the side of the road, apparently having something to eat. Mingnist recognised them as dwarves. I was greeted with mouths agape. I take it these dwarves had never encountered a Tabaxi before but I bore that no mind.

One of the dwarves, Dilur, informed us they were headed south as far as Thornhold and invited us to travel with them. Mingnist seemed to get on with them quite well and discussed something about a dwarven excavation site. I'm not sure what that was all about. They seemed to keep their distance from me but everything was congenial.

Along the way I overheard Dilur mention The Yawning Portal to Mingnist. That was a bit of a surprise to hear. The two discussed some sort of arrangement but I wasn't particularly interested after the mention of the inn in Waterdeep.

Our travels proceeded peacfully to Thornhold where we parted ways with the dwarves.

Amongst the Gnomes

Tarsakh 20, 1493 DR

After a tenday I arrived in Gnomengarde. The gnomes I met welcomed me cautiously but they seemed friendly enough. King Gnerkli greeted me warmly although King Korboz seemed a bit distracted when I was introduced to them. Fortunately there were no issues with our transaction and I had the case of mushroom wine I was tasked to retrieve.

I was surprised to be asked by the kings to accompany a gnome named Mingnist from Gnomengarde to Waterdeep. He seemed to be a bit surprised to see a Tabaxi but I'm accustomed to that reaction. Otherwise he looked to make a pleasant travelling companion.

The gnomes graciously provided me with lunch before Mingnist and I departed for Waterdeep. The Kings did warn us about the threat of orcs in the Sword Mountains.

My first visit to a gnome village was most enjoyable.